Days To Maturity
The average number of days from when the plant is actively growing in the garden to the expected time of harvest.

90-120 days

Fruit Size
The average size of the fruit produced by this product.

2 inches

Sun
The amount of sunlight this product needs daily in order to perform well in the garden. Full sun means 6 hours of direct sun per day; partial sun means 2-4 hours of direct sun per day; shade means little or no direct sun.

Full Sun

Spread
The width of the plant at maturity.

12 inches

Height
The typical height of this product at maturity.

30-35 inches

Sow Method
This refers to whether the seed should be sown early indoors and the seedlings transplanted outside later, or if the seed should be sown directly in the garden at the recommended planting time.

If you are unable to plant right away, store in a dry, cool, well ventilated, frost free location until you are able to plant.

Choose a sunny location with loose, well-drained soil. Do not plant where members of the onion family were planted previously.

Prepare the bed by turning the soil under to a depth of 8 inches. Level with a rake to remove clumps of grass and stones. Incorporate generous amounts of quality compost and a slow release fertilizer before planting.

Separate bulbs into individual cloves.

Make a shallow furrow 1-1 ½ inches deep and lightly press in cloves about 4 inches apart in rows 18 inches apart. Plant with the pointed side up and cover with 1 inch of fine soil.

Firm soil and water.

How to Grow

Transplants should show new growth after 4 weeks of 50 degree F weather.

Keep weeds under control during the growing season. Weeds compete with plants for water, space and nutrients, so control them by either cultivating often or use a mulch to prevent their seeds from germinating. Avoid disturbing the soil around the plants when weeding.

Keep plants well watered during dry periods to promote rapid, uninterrupted growth. Plants need about 1 inch of rain per week during the growing season. Use a rain gauge to check to see if you need to add water. It’s best to water with a drip or trickle system that delivers water at low pressure at the soil level. If you water with overhead sprinklers, water early in the day so the foliage has time to dry off before evening, to minimize disease problems. Keep the soil moist but not saturated.

Monitor for pests and diseases. Check with your local Cooperative Extension Service for pest controls recommended for your area.

Harvest and Preserving Tips

If immature shallots are desired, before complete bulb development, harvest and use immediately. Immature shallots are edible at any size but do not store well. In 30 days, greens may be harvested. In 45 days, green bulbs may be harvested.

In 90-120 days, mature shallot bulbs may be harvested.

When ¾ of the tops have fallen over, bend over those still standing to hasten drying. After all the tops are yellow, pull up plants with their clusters of bulbs attached, and allow them to dry in the sun for a few days. Look at the weather forecast and pick the driest days to do this.

Spread out in an airy place until the tops are completely dry, about 2-3 weeks.

Braid tops together or cut tops to 2 inches above the bulbs. Discard rotting bulbs. One rotting bulb will spoil the bunch.

Store in a dry, cool, well-ventilated space.

Shallots can also be made into a carmelized jam, or pickled.

Product Details

Days To Maturity

90-120 days

Fruit Size

2 inches

Sun

Full Sun

Spread

12 inches

Height

30-35 inches

Sow Method

Direct Sow

Planting Time

Fall, Spring

Sow Time

2-4 weeks BLF

Thin

3 inches

Life Cycle

Annual

Reviews

Shallots, Holland Red is rated
4.5 out of
5 by
4.

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Diana61 from
ShallotsI bought this as I wanted to pick fresh whenever I need them. Not disappointed! The shallots have done beautifully.

Date published: 2017-07-17

Rated 5 out of
5 by
Naninasuzi from
Very healthyCouldn't find them in my area really disappointed thought I had waited to long which I had. But then I remembered you guys. am so glad I did the highest quality I have ever had Will not forget this order best harvest of shallots I have ever grown.

Date published: 2016-09-23

Rated 3 out of
5 by
Nancy B from
They all diedThey sprouted really well and then went belly up. It was probably my fault though for not watering them enough. I wish I had been encouraged to plant them in the fall because I now know that's a better time to do so.

Date published: 2016-09-15

Rated 5 out of
5 by
TheHappyGardener from
Delicious Milder Garlic & Sweet Onion Taste!!I have grown these shallots along with sweet onions and the early italian garlic for a few years now.
It performs well in 10" deep well drained soil of composted manure, top soil, a bit of play sand, bone meal,
blood meal and a 10-10-10 slow release fertilizer. The shoots catch on fast and take about 4 to 6 months
to come to harvest. The flavor is a cross between a sweet onion like a georgia granex or texas sweet,
mixed with a very mild back note of garlic. This is one that people who don't like strong onion or garlic taste
in their cooking will love. I always have plenty every year to use for various dishes.